Private tour in London Jill D
5.0
(15) reviews
3 hours
30 minutes
1
3 hours
30 minutes
1
Jill D.
5.0
Guide rating
32
Reviews
Tours delivered
10 hrs
Avg. response time
I'm a Londoner by choice, not by birth. I moved here after university, and stayed because I think it's the greatest city on earth! Over thirty years later I'm still finding out new things to see and do in London. I've been guiding tours for eight years now, and with ToursByLocals since 2023. I'm a qualified guide in the City of London (the financial 'square mile', a long history with a modern twist), in the City of Westminster (think tradition, royals, politics, parks, shopping), and in the London Borough of Camden (think literature, music, green squares, and hip areas such as Camden Town and King's Cross) - so basically all of central London, with a bit of North London in the mix. In fact I like guiding so much I now teach Tour Guiding. My favourite thing is sharing my love of our great city with others. Not just the well-known places, but the secret corners, the quirky facts, the stuff that makes London so special. I love talking about the people - women and men, real and fictional - the architecture, the open spaces, and the social history. You may just see a road, or a building, or a plaque, but I see a story to tell. And I want to share it with you. I did my first degree in Classics (Latin, Greek, Ancient History) at Oxford University, and then worked in Telecoms for many years, latterly as a project manager, so I have super organisational skills. Now I am free to do what I love, and that includes taking you on a walking tour. I've travelled extensively, particularly in the USA and Canada (shout out to the in-laws and cousins!), and I know what I want from a good tour when I am on vacation. I'll aim to provide that to you, and introduce you to the sights you may have heard of, and the ones you haven't, but will be glad you discovered them too. I am only too happy to customize any tour that takes your fancy, to meet your requirements. I look forward to hearing from you! I am an accredited City of London guide (Institute of Tourist Guiding Green Badge). I am an accredited City of Westminster guide. I am an accredited London Borough of Camden guide. I am not a Blue Badge guide, so am unable to guide within Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and St Paul's Cathedral. I provide walking tours of London, not driven tours.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Jill D.
No, I can't afford to live there, but that doesn't stop me - or you - exploring their leafy squares, elegant streets, and atmospheric arcades. Let me show you the secrets of wealthy Mayfair and upper-class St James's. Mayfair's story starts over 300 years ago with a 12 year old heiress, but is now known as a place where the rich live, work and shop. I will tell you about its history, its many American connections, and the famous and infamous people who have lived here. We take in two squares, a garden, the birth place of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and much more. Across Piccadilly and a stop for a coffee break. Then we dive into St James's. It's discreet, very British, and very classy. We'll start at the parish church, then make our way around St James's, past gentlemen's clubs, the finest shops, and a royal palace. I'll point out where hats for Winston Churchill and Jacqueline Kennedy were made, where royals buy their boots and wine, and more, before we head back along The Mall to Trafalgar Square.
We had a great time with Jill going through the very interesting and posh areas of Mayfair and St. James. She was extremely knowledgeable, and we enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon (even though it was a near record hot day in London). Jill showed us some much of the history and sights in the area, as well as the back streets - and all the fancy places. It was well worth having someone to explore these areas of London with!
Jill’s amazing at bringing the history and current vibe of these two London neighborhoods to life—places that are famous but often misunderstood by tourists. She’s a fantastic storyteller, making the tour super interesting and never boring!
Jill was absolutely wonderful. I asked for some additions to the tour and Jill accommodated it all. I saw what I wanted to see and her commentary was excellent. I have no reservations, whatsoever, to recommend Jill to anyone!
Jill was an excellent guide having worked out a great itinerary to learn about these two neighborhoods of London. She was very knowledgeable, had great stories to tell and fun to spend time with.
My wife and I took a walking tour with Jill, and we had a wonderful time. Jill is very nice, and although she taught us a lot, she didn’t go overboard with tiny details of every little thing….so the tour was informative, but not overwhelming. We saw the St James area, and covered some of Royal history, but then learned a lot about what London was like hundreds of years ago in the St James area. The other half of the tour was walking in Mayfair, seeing the upscale shopping, but seeing the 3 beautiful gardens as well. Jill was a pleasure, a very nice person, easy on the nerves…..I would highly recommend her tour. Ken and Debbie Baron
Booked a tour with Jill who created a customized one for me and my son. I requested for a condensed version and up to 3-4 hours of the two tours, Covent Garden and Mayfair, ending at Chinatown. She will go with the pace of the group. You would enjoy a tour with Jill D. We’re happy with our booking. Jill is wonderful and accommodating. Thank you Jill for delivering a splendid and enjoyable tour.
In Mayfair we will discover; • Brown Hart Gardens - a garden in the air • Grosvenor Square - the American connection • Mount Street Gardens - the history of Mayfair's poor • Shepherds Market - the May Fair, and a saucy history • Berkeley Square - elegant houses, gambling and Annabel's • Bruton Street - the Queen's birthplace • Bond Street - designer shops and fabulous window displays • The Royal Academy - world-class art • Burlington Arcade - undercover elegance In St James we will explore; • St James's Church - Christopher Wren at his best • St James's Square - a green oasis • Waterloo Place - statues, statues everywhere • Pall Mall - the world of Gentlemen's clubs • St James's shops - by royal appointment • St James's Palace - site of King Charles III's accession • The Mall & St James's Park - the processional route Please note this tour can be customised. Use the 'message guide' button to contact me for a customised tour.
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
This is a walking tour, so will be entirely on foot
Bond Street, England, England, W1S, United Kingdom
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: I can meet you at your hotel or at an underground station. If arriving by tube (underground) the suggested station is Bond Street (served by the Central, Jubilee and Elizabeth Lines)
EnglishWho is this private tour in London best suited for?
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in London be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
3 hours
30 minutes
1
3 hours
30 minutes
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works